donut recipe

 Yields: About 12 donuts

Prep time: 30 minutes

Rise time: 1-2 hours

Cook time: 5-7 minutes per batch

Ingredients:

 * 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)

 * 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

 * 1/4 cup granulated sugar

 * 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 * 1/4 teaspoon salt

 * 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

 * 1 large egg

 * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 * Vegetable oil for frying

 * Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 * Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.

 * Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

 * Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the remaining sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

 * Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

 * First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

 * Shape donuts: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and then use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers.

 * Second rise: Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

 * Fry donuts: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few donuts at a time to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

 * Drain: Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

 * Dust: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar.

Tips:

 * Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

 * Be careful when handling hot oil.

 * For a glaze, combine powdered sugar with a little milk or water to form a thin glaze. Drizzle over the cooled donuts.

Enjoy your delicious homemade donuts!

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